Eclectic Electric

Matt Resovich is one of those musicians who keeps busy and often commits to many projects at a time. He’s performed with the Black Heart Procession, the Album Leaf, Mung, and Battling Maxo over the past decade, carving a niche with fans of eclectic and electronic music. He’s also been keeping busy as a solo act.

Resovich (under the moniker of side-project Roll Film) and his electric violin can be heard on the 2007 independent film Impaler, a documentary about Jonathon “the Impaler” Sharkey’s candidacy for governor of Minnesota in 2006. His other instrumental act is Toytester, “a computer-and-me” act of experimental sound and dance beats.

For the Album Leaf, Resovich plays guitar, violin, glockenspiel (orchestra bells), and provides vocals. The Album Leaf is Tristeza guitarist Jimmy LaValle’s solo project, but the act tours with between three and five musicians.

The Black Heart Procession is the best known of Resovich’s projects, formed in 1997. This band records and tours when the members have the time. The year 2006 saw the release of their album The Spell. This year the Black Heart Procession will perform three sets in the U.K. at the All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival on December 5, 6, and 7.

WHAT’S IN YOUR MUSIC PLAYER?

“I don’t make playlists. I’m much more interested in hearing what other people are listening to and letting my surroundings influence me. Check out my favorites at myspace.com/rollfilm.”

WHAT SONG IS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD?

“You know that one you hear on the World of Warcraft log-in screen? Yeah, that one…over and over.…”

WORST JOBS?

“I’ve had a lot of jobs, many strenuous, sometimes dirty. And those were the good ones. I have bulldozed mountains of horse manure, dug through trash — read: recycling — and cleaned toilets. Those are all a walk in the park compared to dealing with the public. A certain percentage of the populace derives some sad self-validation from belittling people in the service industry. It’s those jobs — which I won’t name and of which there are definitely more than five — that are the worst. Fortunately I don’t mind getting dirty, because I’d rather clean a toilet than kiss an ass.”

BEST THINGS DONE WHEN DRUNK?

“Funny question. If I remembered them, how good could it have really been?”

TOP FIVE SAN DIEGO HANGOUTS?

“Hanging is for tree sloths. I prefer to stand or sit. My top five places to stand or sit are in front of my computer, on stage, my friend’s panoramic penthouse patio, far-flung foreign locales, and in a hot tub.”

BEST GIG?

“By playing in the Black Heart Procession and the Album Leaf I’ve gotten to tour extensively in the U.S.A., Europe, and Asia. These are priceless memories, but a standout would have to be last summer’s show at the Hollywood Bowl with the Album Leaf, if only because I grew up attending bowl concerts ever since I can remember. To be on the stage looking out was a unique and awesome feeling.”

WORST GIGS?

“Worst gigs, that’s a laugh — no way I’m rattin’ my boys out.”

BEST ADVICE?

“I’m gonna go with a classic line from The Outsiders: ‘Stay gold, Pony Boy.’ ”

BEST DEAD CELEB?

“I’d have to say Jerry Garcia, simply because he is dead in so many more ways than other celebs who just also happen to be dead, you know? And how many of them are grateful?”

FAVORITE QUOTE?

“I am quite fond of ‘never say never’ because, though some occurrences are quite dependable, people generally can’t be certain of most outcomes.”

LAST BOOK READ?

“Probably an operations manual.”

EARLIEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY?

“My first childhood memory pertains to my current occupation: I told my parents I wanted to be a ‘fiddler on the roof’ just like the guy in the movie. They must have been stoked on my complete lack of economic sense.”